"I have lived in New York for a year and it is not the best place to learn German. What i feel now is a gift, a blessing to be here to be with Bayern and the very thought about me as the coach is a gift," added the Spaniard who has signed a three-year contract.

Guardiola, who won 14 trophies in four years at Barcelona, is Bayern's biggest signing for the coming season as they eye more silverware.

He has, however, a tough act to follow with his predecessor Jupp Heynckes leading Bayern to a domestic league and Cup double and the Champions League title in an unprecedented season for a German club.